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“The signal of the Dolphin was heard in the 
distance. Leo clasped his mother in his arms as 
he hissed her farewell.” Page 43. 






























LEO’S WHALING 
VOYAGE 

_ ■? 


<yS 


. 

F. Hoffman^and Mary E. Ireland 



AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN 

BOCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 







Copyright, 1923 

BY 

AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN 



*! 


* 


ROCK ISLAND, ILL. 

AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN, PRINTERS 

1923 

SEP ~4 ’23 

©C1A711744 

<vv* | 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


Chapter I. 

The Berryman Cottage . 7 

Chapter II. 

Lawyer Copeland . 29 

Chapter III. 

Fred’s Advice . 32 

Chapter IV. 

The White Flag . 44 

. Chapter V. 

An Interested Listener . 49 

Chapter VI. 

Unexpected Success . 59 

Chapter VII. 

A Bear Hunt . 74 

Chapter VIII. 

Conrad Deserts His Friends. 87 

Chapter IX. 

A Discovery . 101 

Chapter X. 

The Rescue . 110 




















* 









1 






- 






4 




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% 









i 










CHAPTER I. 

THE BERRYMAN COTTAGE. 

“Hold the boat steady, Fred,” ad¬ 
vised his brother Leo; “a little more to 
the left. Yes, that is the spot; now we 
will step out and bring this splendid 
catch home; mother will be pleased 
that we have done so well. We will get 
at least three dollars at the market for 
this fine cod, weighing ten pounds; the 
small fish will also bring a fair price.” 

“Yes,” responded Fred; “it will not 
take me a minute to fasten the rope to 
the post; then I will help you carry the 
nets up the hill.” 



LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


The sun was setting, its rosy beams 
illuminating the waves of the North 
Sea in the distance and the sails of a 
ship gliding over the broad expanse; 
also the ripples upon the Weser, and 
their home cottage on the bank; its 
glistening windows shaded by vines 
that. ran to the red-tiled roof. The 
Berryman cottage was a plain little 
dwelling, but dear to the hearts of the 
widowed mother and her two sons— 
Leo, eighteen, and Fred, two years 
younger. 

Healthy, cheery boys they were, be¬ 
lieving that no place could be lovelier 
than their cottage home, the river glid¬ 
ing peacefully by the foot of their 
lawn, the flowers in their little garden, 
and the great linden in the yard, all 
adding their share to make it lovely, 
and Homelike. 


8 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Tell mother that I will be back 
when I have washed the nets and hung 
them up to dry,” said Leo, as he 
dropped the fish into a basket, then ran 
with swift steps down the path to the 
river, meeting on the way an elderly 
man, evidently from the city, who halt¬ 
ed and spoke: 

“Can you tell me where Mrs. Mar¬ 
tha Berryman lives?” he asked in a 
business tone. 

Leo glanced at the stranger and hesi¬ 
tated before making a reply, wonder¬ 
ing who the man was and why he came. 

“Don’t you know?” asked the stran¬ 
ger impatiently, “or are you unwilling 
to give the information?” 

“Well, that’s my mother; she lives 
over there,” said the boy, pointing to 
the cottage. “Go up that path and you 
will see her and my brother Fred. I 


9 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


would go with you, but I must wash 
the nets and hang them up to dry.” And 
he kept on down to the beach, still won¬ 
dering what business the man could 
have that concerned them. 

He lost no time in completing his 
work; then he ran up to the cottage, 
but found only Fred within. 

“Where is mother?” he asked. 

“In the grape arbor. A stranger 
called to see her on business.” 

“Did he say what business?” 

“No, but it must be important, judg¬ 
ing by the many papers he spread out 
on the arbor table.” 

“I met him, but I don’t like his 
looks,” commented Leo. “He seemed 
to be a disagreeable fellow; I hope he 
didn’t bring any message that will wor¬ 
ry mother. I will go out and see.” 

“No, no, Leo, stay here till he leaves. 


IO 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


If mother wanted you she would call 
you. I was with her when he came; 
and I could see that she wished me to 
leave. See, now he is going; I will go 
with you out there.” 

In the arbor they found their mother 
with knitting in hand, wearing a sad, 
anxious look, her kind eyes showing 
traces of tears. 

“What is it, mother?” asked Leo 
anxiously. “What did the stranger say 
to make you shed tears; tell us what he 
said, and we will bring him back to 
ask your pardon.” 

“No, no, my dear Leo,” and she 
grasped his hand to detain him, “the 
man only did his duty in bringing sad 
news to me; let him go in peace.” 

“But, mother, tell us what it is. Why 
should it be kept from us? Can’t we be 
trusted?” the boys urged. 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

“My dear boys, whom could I trust 
if not you? But I dread clouding your 
young lives with a trouble in which 
you can give no help; but since you 
must know, I might as well tell you 
now as later. A hard-hearted man has 
robbed us of what is rightfully ours. It 
was the property of your father. Be¬ 
sides he brought a bill against me—an 
unjust charge, which, if I am forced to 
pay, will rob us of our home.” 

The boys were shocked at hearing 
this; they were silent for a moment, 
then Fred asked with trembling voice, 
“Can he rob us? Is the law on his 
side?” 

“Yes, Freddie, he has the power, but 
not the right; the law favored him, and 
we are unable to prove our right. If 
they take this little home, the garden 
will go with it; and also the inclosure 


12 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


adjoining it, where your dear father 
lies. What a grief to us if we can no 
longer sit by his grave, or place there 
the flowers he loved.” 

“No mother; you shall never be 
robbed of this dear home. Tell us who 
the people are that would attempt it.” 

“As you know, your father was a 
sailor, and you have heard us speak of 
the little house he owned in Bremen. 
You were too young to remember the 
pride he took in improving it, and the 
fine vegetable garden which he took 
much delight in cultivating. 

“You have heard us speak of his 
good boat, which earned our support 
by traffic on the river. With his dwell¬ 
ing and his boat, he was satisfied that 
he was keeping his family in comfort, 
and did not crave change. 

“But a cousin whom he had known 


13 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

and loved from boyhood advised him 
to join with him in the purchase of an 
ocean-going vessel, thus engaging in a 
more extensive business, and the two 
went into partnership. 

“The cousin was prepared to ad¬ 
vance his part of the purchase money 
without making any sacrifice; but your 
father had to sell not only his boat, but 
our house in Bremen. This he did not 
regret, for the business was greatly in-, 
creased, and in a short time he was able 
to buy this little place which, for the 
time, he had only rented. 

“You, Leo, were seven years old then, 
and Fred five; and many happy years 
have we passed here. Your father'was 
taken ill; the business had to be en¬ 
trusted to other hands, then there was a 
terrible storm and the vessel was 
wrecked. 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“When the message came to your fa¬ 
ther on his sick-bed, he was greatly 
troubled, but did not lose all hope. 
‘The loss may not be so great/ he said, 
after recovering a little from the 
shock; ‘the vessel and its cargo were 
fully insured. When I get well, I can 
put my share of the insurance money 
into some business; and in time recover 
the loss.’ 

“But this was not to be; shortly af¬ 
terward God called him home. That 
was a terrible blow. You were too 
young to understand our great loss, and 
it was only the realization of my duty 
to you that kept me from despair. But 
this was not all; the Lord put me to 
another trial, one that I had never ex¬ 
pected. 

“Your father had comforted himself 
and me in the belief that one-half of 


15 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


the insurance money would be ours; he 
had no other thought. After he had 
passed away, I waited many weeks to 
hear from his cousin and partner. Re¬ 
ceiving no message, I wrote him, mak¬ 
ing inquiry. 

“After a time I received a harsh, 
gruff reply, to the effect that it was he 
and he alone who had the vessel in¬ 
sured; that your father’s name was not 
on the papers, and that he had no legal 
claim to any part of the insurance 
money. 

“He added that there were several 
debts which your father should have 
paid but now that he was gone, he 
would not press them upon me, so long 
as I refrained from annoying him with 
groundless claims. 

“Upon receiving that letter I 
thought it advisable to consult a law- 
16 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


yer, and went to see an old trusted 
friend of your father, Lawyer Cope¬ 
land in Bremen. I told him the whole 
story, but he gave me but little encour¬ 
agement that I could demand anything 
unless I had proof in writing, attested 
by witnesses that the vessel was bought 
and insured in partnership. 

“ ‘The man is a rascal,’ was his com¬ 
ment, ‘It is not at all likely that the ves¬ 
sel was insured without my friend Ber¬ 
ryman joining in it; had he lived, he 
would have seen to it, but his death has 
given the thief a chance to lay claim to 
all. He has it, and will keep it.’ 

“As you see, my children, I could do 
nothing in regard to the insurance, and 
had to bear the loss as patiently as pos¬ 
sible; but now another trial has come. 
The man who has just left was sent by 
the cousin to tell me that when buying 

17 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 2 . 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


the vessel he had loaned your father 
three hundred dollars which was never 
paid back to him. He sent word by the 
man that if this claim is not paid, he 
would attach this house and all that be¬ 
longs to it, and sell them to satisfy his 
claim. If this is done, we will be turned 
out into the street.” 

“No, mother, that shall never hap¬ 
pen so long as Fred and I live. The 
boat and nets are mine, he cannot take 
them. Tell me the name of the cousin 
and repeat the name of the attorney; 
I will see him to-morrow.” 

“The cousin’s name is Holbrook, 
and the lawyer’s name is Copeland. 
His office is near the Court House.” 

“Now it is all clear to me, mother; 
I wish you had told me this before; it 
might perhaps have kept Holbrook 
from annoying you by demanding the 
18 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


three hundred. You have often told us 
that God will not let falsehood tri¬ 
umph over truth; so the house and gar¬ 
den will not be taken from us; you can 
count upon that.” 

The mother saw no way in which 
Leo could help, but she was cheered 
by his cheerfulness, and began to hope 
that something might be done. The 
three chatted for a time, then returned 
to the cottage and the evening lamp, 
until time to retire. 


i9 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER II. 

LAWYER COPELAND. 

The next day Leo went to Bremen, 
sold his fish in the market, getting 
the three dollars he had expected for 
the cod—the smaller fish being equally 
well paid for. Then he made his way 
to the office of Lawyer Copeland to 
ask his advice in regard to the demand 
of Cousin Holbrook. 

“That case was before me more than 
nine years ago,” commented the attor¬ 
ney; Holbrook’s lawyer won the suit 
by trickery and fraud; the only one 
who could have combated the false 
oaths that won it was your father; and 
he was dead; but I will undertake the 
case, Leo, and do the best I can to help 
you get at least part of that insurance 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


money. It may be that Holbrook has 
repented of that piece of rascality, al¬ 
though his claim for the three hundred 
does not lessen the impression that 
money looks as good to him now as ever. 

“Should he bring suit, his false oath 
may win his case again; but if so, you 
would lose no more than if no effort 
were made.” 

“What will it cost us if he should 
bring suit and win?” asked Leo anx¬ 
iously. 

“Win or lose, it shall cost you noth¬ 
ing,” replied the lawyer. “I will take 
care of the costs; your father did me 
many acts of kindness which I will re¬ 
turn to his family, should opportunity 
offer. I doubt that he will bring suit. 
The other case brought him no credit; 
but he may harass you for payment of 
the three hundred dollars.” 


21 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Grafton, the market man, told me 
to-day,” said Leo, “that Yarnsworth, 
the rich shipping merchant, is fitting 
out a whaling vessel to sail for Green¬ 
land. He has secured all his sailors 
but one, and gives three hundred dol¬ 
lars in gold—I will go if he will take 
me.” 

“My boy, would you leave home and 
mother to face the bitter cold, the dan¬ 
gers of whaling, the ice-bergs, and the 
polar bears?” 

“Yes, I would risk it to help my 
mother out of all this anxiety.” 

“But listen, boy; I am interested in 
you. You are a little man, but you are 
too young to make that terrible voyage, 
and risk so many dangers. Who would 
care for your mother in your absence?” 

“My brother Fred; he is a strong 


22 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


boy of seventeen; he will look after 
mother all right.” 

“But I fear she would be terribly 
anxious about you. Remember, whal¬ 
ing on the coast of Greenland will be 
no picnic. I am afraid you would bit¬ 
terly rue the adventure when too late.” 

“No, I won’t mind it. I could then 
save our home and keep mother from 
worrying.” 

‘Well, there is nothing to prevent 
your going; and I will do all I can to 
help you. But suppose you never re¬ 
turn.” 

“I have considered that too, but my 
mother always impressed upon Fred¬ 
die and me that our lives are in God’s 
hands; and I believe firmly that if God 
wills it, and I go in His name, He will 
take care of me.” 

“That is the right way to look at it. 


23 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Taking it for granted that there is a 
place for you on the ship, we must fit 
you out. I am not blessed with riches, 
but I promise you that your mother 
will not lose her home while you are 
away. I will go with you to see Yarns- 
worth, I am well acquainted with him 
and will speak for you.” 

“Oh thank you, thank you! I would 
not know what to say for myself.” 

“Nor would I, at your age.” 

Followed by Leo, the lawyer passed 
through the crowd at the entrance of 
the shipping office, went into an inner 
room where Yarnsworth was found 
busy at his desk. 

“Ho, Copeland, what fair wind 
drove you here?” he exclaimed, rising 
and grasping the hand of his friend, 
while he nodded to Leo. 

“A breeze from Greenland; and I 


24 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


come to ask you to take a glance at my 
young friend, Leo Berryman; isn’t he 
a fine-looking lad, as fit as any you ever 
set eyes on?” 

“He surely is, and you doubtless 
have an object in view. What can I do 
for him?” 

“This young man is our friend Ber¬ 
ryman’s eldest son. He wants to go on 
your whaler.” 

“Well, young man,” said the ship¬ 
ping merchant, “do you think you 
could weather a polar trip? The other 
thirty-five are older and this is not 
their first voyage.” 

“I am for trying,” said Leo stoutly. 

“Will you vouch for him, Cope¬ 
land?” 

“I surely willand the two passed 
to a corner of the room to talk over the 
details. 


25 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

“Yes, the boy shall have a place on 
the Dolphin, and I may as well pay 
him the $300.00 now as later.” Turn¬ 
ing to Leo, the merchant spoke, “You 
are a dutiful son. I will pay you three 
hundred in cash to keep that villain 
Holbrook from annoying your poor 
mother while you are gone.” 

The Dolphin sets sail to-morrow 
at noon,” the merchant continued. “I 
am expecting Captain Bertram every 
minute. Oh, there he is! Come in, 
Bertram,” and they went forward to 
meet him. 

A strong, broad-shouldered man 
with ruddy face and cordial smile, a 
typical seaman, entered, shook hands 
all round, then waited to be questioned 
by the shipping merchant. 

“How about the crew, Captain, have 
you the full quota?” 

26 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“All but one.” 

“Here is that one, Captain; one of 
Copeland’s choosing; come and inspect 
him.” 

The Captain stepped up to Leo and 
clasped his hand warmly. 

“Rather young,” he said, “but looks 
strong and capable. — Have you ever 
been a sailor?” 

“No, but I will not disappoint you. 
I must first see my mother though, be¬ 
fore I promise to go. I am her sup¬ 
porter.” 

“Then how can you leave her and go 
to sea?” 

“My brother Fred will take care of 
her the same as I have done.” 

“Remember, we sail to-morrow 
noon. Can you see her in time?” 

“Yes, the vessel will pass within a 
short distance of our home; I will go 


27 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


aboard there.” Leo described the spot 
where the wessel could pick him up. 

“Very well! But are you provided 
with clothing for an Arctic winter?” 

Leo flushed painfully as he explain¬ 
ed that he had no clothing except what 
he was wearing, and a few pieces of 
underwear at home. 

“Go to Greenland in a linen jacket!” 
exclaimed Captain Bertram. You 
would freeze to death before you were 
halfway.” 

Leo turned pale at hearing this. The 
case seemed hopeless, and tears filled 
his eyes. But Captain Bertram was 
equal to the occasion; Leo had won his 
respect, and he resolved to keep him. 

“See here, Yarnsworth,” he said to 
the shipping merchant, who was con¬ 
versing with the lawyer. “I hope you 
will be generous enough to furnish this 
28 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

boy with the needed clothing for the 
voyage. I will stand for it.” 

“Captain, you know exactly what he 
requires. Tell us who your outfitter 
is and I will do the rest.” 

The captain led the way, and they 
found a full supply of clothing for the 
whaling expedition ready to be sent on 
board. 

“Listen, my boy,” said Captain Bert¬ 
ram, when they were alone, “I could 
not object to your going on the Arctic 
voyage while in the shipping mer¬ 
chant’s office, as he knew how anxious 
I was to secure another seaman; but I 
felt it my duty to impress upon you 
that whaling is not like trapping rab¬ 
bits. If you want to go to sea, go on 
some other ship. You have no idea 
of the hardships of an Arctic voyage. 
Take my advice, my boy, and don’t go 
on the Dolphin.” 29 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“But I dare not change my plan, too 
much depends upon it. I am used to 
water and fishing, and no matter what 
employment I could get, I would have 
to learn it; there is nothing for me to 
do here, and I love the sea.” 

“Well, do as you like; I have noth¬ 
ing more to say, only I fear you will 
rue it.” 

“No, I am doing this to help my 
mother, and would not regret making 
the effort.” 

“Boy, you say too much depends up¬ 
on this journey for you to stay at home; 
do you mind telling a true friend what 
it is; I see that Copeland knows so it 
cannot be a secret.” 

“Well, you have a right to know.” 
And he told him of the unjust claim. 

“I never imagined anything like that 
as your motive for taking this whaling 


30 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


trip. I only supposed that you, like 
many boys, longed for adventure in the 
far North, or wanted to get away from 
the control of your parents. Now that 
I know the real state of the case I as¬ 
sure you that you may count upon me 
as a true friend. Now I must go and 
put things to rights on the Dolphin. 
Good-bye!” He hurried off, and Leo 
went to his boat and rowed down the 
river towards home. 


3i 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER III. 

FRED’S ADVICE. 

The afternoon was past and evening 
had come when Leo, rowing at full 
speed, was approaching his cottage 
home. 

Many experiences had been his that 
afternoon, most of them new and entire¬ 
ly unexpected. He had suffered anxie¬ 
ties of varied kinds, and from varied 
sources; he had found friends where 
least expected, helping him in every 
possible way, when they realized his 
reason for taking so long and dangerous 
a voyage. 

Obstacles which he had not even 
thought of had been removed as if by 
magic; he had found helpful friends 


32 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


in persons of whom he had never known 
until that hour. 

Through it all, his mother was first 
in his thoughts. How would his going 
affect her; would the knowledge that 
by his going her possession of the home 
would be assured compensate for his 
absence or atone for his loss, should he 
never return? 

And Fred; the brothers had never 
been separated for more than a day, 
would they grieve for each other’s com¬ 
pany, when far apart? 

How would he accustom himself to 
the change from a rowboat to a sea¬ 
faring vessel with a strange and rough 
crew? 

Would he tell Fred, when he came 
down to the boat to see him off, and let 
him tell his mother? 

He dreaded her tears when told, and 
33 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 3 . 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

her pleading not to leave her and home 
to go on such a hazardous voyage and 
risk his life to save the place for her. 

No, he could not tell her, for fear 
she would persuade him to remain at 
home, and break faith with the friends 
who had helped him even to supplying 
him with a full outfit of suitable cloth¬ 
ing for the expedition. 

There is so little time, he reflected; 
I must tell her without delay. The 
whole plan had matured so suddenly 
that he felt almost bewildered; then 
what would it be to her? 

He reached the landing place, tied 
the boat and went up to the cottage, 
where he found the table set for the 
frugal evening meal, his mother wait¬ 
ing for him, and Fred sitting by the 
light, mending the nets. 

It was a picture of peaceful home- 


34 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


life. This may be the last time that I 
share it, Leo said to himself with a 
feeling of bitter anger against Hol¬ 
brook for breaking up the home circle. 

They gathered about the evening 
meal, Leo trying to speak cheerfully of 
his visit to the city, his successful sale 
of the fish, and his pleasant meeting 
with Lawyer Copeland. He struggled 
to appear natural, but his mother no¬ 
ticed his effort to seem cheerful and 
attributed it to the consultation with 
the lawyer and the unsuccessful effort 
to get their just returns from cousin 
Holbrook. She asked no questions, 
but would wait until the next day when 
he would be rested. 

Bed time came, the cuckoo in the 
old fashioned clock had proclaimed 
the hour of ten; the three arose to re¬ 
tire, the mother noticing that Leo’s eyes 
were tearful. 35 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

“Tell me, my son, what is troubling 
you?” she asked. 

“Mother, it seems to me that pleasure 
is always accompanied by sorrow, to¬ 
morrow you will know what I mean.” 

“I am sure there is nothing wrong; 
my son would do no one any harm.” 

“Not that, mother, but there is some¬ 
thing that may trouble you. It was 
not my wish to give you anxiety, and I 
am sure my Heavenly Father will 
think I did right.” 

“Then I need not worry. If you 
meant well, and things did not turn out 
as you expected, there is nothing to 
complain of. Go to bed and sleep 
well, and in the morning you may tell 
me all.” 

“Yes, that is best, Fred and I are 
going out fishing a little earlier than 
usual. Good night, dear mother. He 
36 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


pressed a kiss upon her forehead; then 
the three sought their nightly rest, each 
having knelt in evening prayer. 

The sun had just risen the next morn¬ 
ing, when Leo and Fred arose, dressed 
and went quietly down the path to the 
river. 

“You may go ahead, Fred; I have 
a little writing to do. You can take 
the nets with you.” 

The morning was clear and beauti¬ 
ful, the waves glistening in the sunlight, 
all nature fresh and balmy from the 
repose of the night. 

Leo wrote a note to leave for his 
mother, explaining in loving terms his 
intention of leaving home that day at 
noon to go on a whaling expedition 
to the coast of Greenland on the Dol¬ 
phin. The note was to be left in Fred’s 
care and delivered after the Dolphin 
set sail. 37 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


With tear-dimmed eyes he wrote that 
he could not subject his beloved mother 
and himself to the trial of parting, but 
would go quietly away, leaving Fred 
to give'her the account of his visit to 
Bremen, especially the kindness of 
Lawyer Copeland, the shipping mer¬ 
chant, and Captain Bertram. 

Then, with tender farewells, he fold¬ 
ed it, put it in his pocket and ran 
down the path to the boat. 

“This is a good spot, Leo,” remarked 
Fred when they had rowed a short 
distance. “We did well here yester¬ 
day.” 

“Yes,” replied Leo in an absent- 
minded manner. Here, Fred, is a note 
I want you to give to mother after I am 
gone.” 

“After you are gone!” exlaimed Fred 
in blank astonishment, “why, where are 
you going?” 38 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

“There is a note for mother, read it 
and give it to her when you return.” 

Fred unfolded the note, tried to read 
it, but was so perplexed and amazed 
that he failed to take in its full mean¬ 
ing. 

“What will mother say?” he asked. 

“As you know, Fred, I have not said 
anything to her of my going, I think 
it better for her and for myself not to 
speak of it. You tell her after I am 
gone, and give her the note. You tell 
her that the three hundred dollars I 
will earn will save our home.” 

“Certainly she should know your 
object in going; but, oh, it will be a 
cruel thing for you to slip off without 
saying farewell. No, you must come 
back with me first.” 

“But the parting would unnerve us 
both, she would weep and plead with 


39 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


me not to go; but I must go, and my 
last hour at home would be one I would 
wish to forget.” 

“But you would remember it with 
keener regret for having kept your go¬ 
ing a secret from mother. No, Leo, 
you must tell her all.” 

“Oh, Fred, if I only could know 
what effect it will have upon her!” 

“I know. She considers whatever 
happens as God’s will and is reconciled 
to it. She will be reconciled to part¬ 
ing with you, knowing that He rules 
and you are in His care; so tell her all 
and receive her blessing upon your 
journey.” 

“Oh, Freddie, you are looking at it 
in the right way; I thank you for ad¬ 
vising me; I believe I would have re¬ 
gretted it, had I gone off without tell¬ 
ing her.” 


40 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Leo, you are doing nobly to take 
this dangerous voyage; but mother will 
feel that you are in God’s care, and you 
and I must have the same trust in God 
and look forward to your home-com¬ 
ing. 

We will miss you terribly, brother, 
but I am sure that mother will not sad¬ 
den your last day at home too much.” 

“I know it. And we are going to 
have a little farewell party. Here we 
have several fine fish. In a short time 
mother will have a dish of nicely 
cooked fish to go with coffee and fresh 
brown bread.” 

They were not disappointed. All 
went as Fred predicted; and although 
the thought of separation was in the 
minds of the boys they gave no hint 
of it until the meal was finished, the 
room put in order and they sat on the 


41 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


little porch, their favorite place of rest 
and talk. 

Then Leo with a slight tremor in his 
voice told his mother all; and his heart 
rejoiced that while she was surprised 
and tearful she was not overcome by 
the unexpected news. She listened 
quietly while he told her all that tran¬ 
spired during his visit with Lawyer 
Copeland in Bremen. 

It was with sincere pleasure she 
learnt that Captain Bertram was to 
command the vessel; he and her hus¬ 
band had been long-time friends; he 
would be like a father to her boy; and 
Copeland’s kindness filled her with 
heartfelt gratitude. He too was a dear 
friend of their beloved father. 

Of her own anxiety and the loss of 
his companionship she made no men¬ 
tion; her'boy was in God’s care; she 


42 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

would trust him there, and in her quiet 
home pray for his safe return. 

As they were exchanging words of 
farewell the signal of the Dolphin was 
heard in the distance. Leo clasped his 
mother in his arms as he kissed her fare¬ 
well, and her blessing was given in a 
voice that she strove to keep calm. So 
they parted; she stood watching him 
go on board, and he waved to her a 
last farewell. So the Dolphin was on 
its way to Greenland. 


43 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE WHITE FLAG. 

“Welcome to the Dolphin, my boy,” 
said Captain Bertram, laying his hand 
kindly upon Leo’s shoulder. “Do not 
regret the step you have taken; with 
God’s help we will be back in these 
waters again in a few months and you 
will have the satisfaction of knowing 
that you have done a good deed. Let 
that thought keep you from being 
downhearted, and look forward to a 
joyous home-coming; but if you regret 
the step you have taken, you shall have 
a chance to return.” 

“Oh, no, Captain, I do not regret it. 
I have done what I thought best. I 
have no wish to return.” 


44 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Well said; I am glad to have you 
with us. Come with me and I will in¬ 
troduce you to Mr. Martin, our pilot. 
At first he will appear harsh and 
rough; but a kinder man or braver sea¬ 
man never stepped upon the boards of 
any ship. Come, my boy.” 

Leo followed. At the wheel he saw 
a broad-shouldered man, a typical sea¬ 
man, in tarpaulin jacket and with a felt 
hat shading his kind gray eyes. 

His face, bronzed to the color of 
mahogany by the sun of the tropics, 
and the hardships of the Arctic regions, 
gave token that life to him had been 
no pleasure trip. He welcomed the 
newcomer on the Dolphin with a cor¬ 
dial clasp of the hand, and a glance of 
approval. 

“Well, my boy; so you are going to 
be a seaman, like your father. I knew 


45 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


him, and a better man never sailed up¬ 
on my vessel. The captain has given 
me a good account of you. We will be 
friends, for I am sure you are not a 
trifler or a shirker. With us you will 
find plenty of work night and day; and 
you must strictly obey all commands. 
But there will be times when no eye 
is watching you, that will be your best 
chance to prove yourself .trustworthy.” 

Leo pressed the hand of the pilot. 
“I will gladly comply with your com¬ 
mands. If I fail in my work I will 
expect no favor,” he said. 

Very good, my boy! If you are only 
half as good as you look, it is all I ask.” 

“Why are you watching the shore so 
closely?” asked Martin, “are you home¬ 
sick already?” 

“My brother Fred promised to put 
a white cloth on the weather vane on 


46 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


our roof, to let me know that mother 
is watching the Dolphin as long as it 
is in sight. I see our cottage but I 
can’t see the white flag.” 

“You do not see the white flagl Well, 
we still have two hours of daylight; go 
aloft, and bring my telescope; may be 
that will help you.” 

Leo obeyed promptly; Martin ad¬ 
justed the spy glass and he could now 
see the cottage but no flag. Yes, his 
eye dwelt fondly on the most loved spot 
upon earth. Clearly he saw white 
walls, the green vines running up the 
window frames, and the read tiles upon 
the roof; he almost believed that he 
could see his mother in her black dress 
on the porch in the shade of the great 
linden. But he could not see the white 
flag. 

“No sign that they are watching,” 


47 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


he said in a depressed tone, as he hand¬ 
ed the telescope back; “I thought they 
would watch.” 

“Oh, you land-lubber!” laughed the 
pilot setting the glass with the skill of 
a seaman, “the white flag is floating 
merrily in the breeze. Now look again 
and you will see your mother.” 

“Dear mother, I see you!” Leo ex¬ 
claimed overjoyed at the sight. “You 
are following me with your eye, and 
with your blessing,” he added as tears 
stole into his eyes. 

“I am glad for you, my boy, you are 
happier than I was the first time I went 
to sea. I was alone in the world. 
There was no one to watch for my go¬ 
ing or my return,” said the pilot. 


48 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER V. 

AN INTERESTED LISTENER. 

The wind was favorable; the sun 
shone brightly, and the crew was sing¬ 
ing their outgoing ditty, while the 
Dolphin, true to its name, sped over 
the waves. 

Martin was glad to see that the 
shadow caused by parting from home 
and loved ones was leaving the natur¬ 
ally cheerful features of his young 
helper, and told him little incidents 
of sea life. 

Captain Bertram and Martin were 
not the only friends of Leo on the ves¬ 
sel; the sailors, who at first had been 
jealous of the favoritism shown him, 
became more genial when they noticed 
49 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 4 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


that he was not spoiled by this par¬ 
tiality, but kept strictly to duty, and 
was courteous and respectful to all. 

They saw, as did the pilot, that he 
was eager to learn whatever was in his 
line of duty and willing to help wher¬ 
ever needed. 

One night Martin and Leo had the 
watch. It was a beautiful clear night, 
the moon lighting the waves in silvery 
splendor, the Dolphin speeding along 
as if rejoicing in the beauty of the 
scene. 

An assistant was at the wheel. Mar¬ 
tin and Leo went to another part of the 
boat, where they would be alone with 
each other. They took up a position 
where they could converse and yet keep 
watch. 

Absorbed in conversation, they did 
not notice that a sailor who had been 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


walking to and fro had lain down on 
a coil of rope, turned his face to the 
sea and appeared to be asleep. 

“Leo, my boy,” said Martin, “I have 
been wanting to ask you for some time 
what caused you to make this trip. The 
Captain told me something, but I don’t 
know if I got the straight of it.” 

Leo was glad to speak of it. At a 
certain point in the story Martin broke 
in: 

“Oh, that swindler Holbrook! Yes, 
I know the whole history of it; your 
father was commander of the Uranus, 
and for a time I was his helper. A 
better man never sailed. But before 
the Uranus was lost, I was steersman 
on a ship sailing to the East Indies, 
so I knew nothing of it for a time. It 
was during that time that the scoundrel 
got the insurance money. The shame 


5i 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


of it! To steal the sole support of a 
widow with two helpless children 1” 

“Yes, Martin, that was bad enough,” 
continued Leo, “but that is not all. 
He tries now to get more money from 
mother. That is what drove me to 
make this voyage.” 

“You astonish me!” exclaimed the 
pilot. “How could he force you to do 
that?” 

Leo told him of cousin Holbrook’s 
demand for the three hundred dollars. 

“Three hundred dollars after claim¬ 
ing all the insurance money from the 
wrecked vessel!” commented Martin. 
“That is infamous even in a thief; first 
robbing her of her money, then trying 
to deprive her of her home!” 

“I honor you, my boy, for trying to 
save it for her. We will' see what can 
be done if the Lord lets us return to 


52 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


Bremen safely. I have influential 
friends here, who can and will make 
the rogue give up his ill-gotten gains, 
and then give him his due. We will 
see what explanation he can make in 
the presence of the witnesses I can 
bring. The Lord sent you on this 
voyage to bring this affair to light. 
Your journey in the Arctics will not be 
in vain, my boy. Just you wait.” 

“But I fear you will try in vain. The 
swindle was so cleverly done that Cope¬ 
land himself failed in his effort to win 
the case for mother. 

“We will see!”. muttered the old pilot 
composedly. “Justice is on the side of 
your mother, and God will see that she 
shall not suffer. 

“We will see if the testimony of sev¬ 
eral honest seamen and others will not 


53 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


have more weight than a piece of paper 
that any villain can prepare.” 

At that moment there was a stir on 
the coil of rope; a sailor aroused the 
apparent sleeper and took his place. 

“All right,” responded Conrad 
sleepily, yawning as if awakened from 
unconscious repose, while Martin said 
to himself, “No matter what he over¬ 
heard, it is all true.” 

Conrad having overheard every 
word, reflected to himself, “What he 
said of my father is true, but not all; 
he is greedy but he is no swindler. But 
why did he want that three hundred 
after the business was settled?” 

Crosing his arms, he leaned back 
upon a beam, looked far out over the 
sea and reflected over what he had 
overheard. He was making plans for 
the future. 


54 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


The hours passed, and Martin 
touched the sailor as he passed. He 
stopped. 

“Who is on watch to-night besides 
us three? 

“Conrad Holbrook and Ernest 
Bohme.” 

“Why didn’t I suspect it was Hol¬ 
brook?” said the pilot after the sailor 
had passed. “Now he has heard the 
whole story. Well it may take him 
down a bit to know of our informing 
on his father when we return. Mean¬ 
while Conrad was reflecting. “The 
pilot and that boy will never get back 
if I can help it,” he vowed to himself. 

“But, Martin,” said Leo after a 
pause, “ this Holbrook may not be a 
son of the man who cheated my mother. 
A rich man would not let his boy go 
on this dangerous expedition and as a 


55 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


plain seaman at that, when he might 
be giving orders on a ship of his own.” 

“Yes, if he were so grasping; but I 
know why the old fox put him here, 
it is to learn the art of whaling. Next 
year he may fit out a whaling vessel 
with Conrad as captain. Be that as 
it may, the apple doesn’t fall far from 
the tree. The son is the second edition 
of the father.” 

“But would Captain Bertram have 
taken the boy knowing that Holbrook 
is his father?” 

“Well, we can’t be sure he is. Let 
us ask him?” 

Martin crossed the deck to where 
Conrad was standing; Leo followed. 

Conrad noticed their coming but 
wished to appear unconcerned; so he 
did not look up until Martin spoke. 

“Were you sleeping?” asked the pi- 
56 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


lot sharply. “Watch out, my boy, or 
we may give you still more rope. What 
is your name?” 

“Conrad Holbrook.” 

“Where from?” 

“Hamburg.” 

“Have you always lived there?” 

“I was born there.” 

“Very well; now take care to keep 
awake; look out for yourself; this is no 
pleasure trip.” 

“Now, Martin, you see I was right” 
— commented Leo as they left, “he is 
not from Bremen so he must be of an¬ 
other Holbrook family.” 

“If so, I am glad of it. I should 
hate to be on the same ship with the 
son of that villain in Bremen. Now 
your watch is finished; go to your bunk, 
and forget all we have said. Sleep well 
until I call you.” 


57 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


Leo went below and Martin con¬ 
tinued the watch, reflecting over all he 
had heard, and scarcely convinced that 
the sailor was not the son of the man 
who had cheated the widow and* her 
sons of their property. 


58 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER VI 

UNEXPECTED SUCCESS. 

When Conrad Holbrook’s watch was 
past, he went to his hammock, but 
could not sleep because of anxiety of 
mind in regard to his father’s shady 
deal. 

He did not feel the heart-grief which 
a son would naturally feel for a father 
who was honest and honorable; nor 
the same desire to defend him, his only 
feeling being one of disgrace. He had 
always known that his father coveted 
money, but believed him, when he 
claimed that Captain Berryman had 
no part in the insurance; and while 
Conrad did not think it right and just, 
he was very willing to share in the 


59 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


insurance money, had his father offered 
it, which was not done. But it was in 
his father’s hands, and there it would 
remain, if he could prevent the pilot 
and Leo from returning to Bremen; 
thus his father’s fraud would never be 
exposed. 

But how could he prevent their re¬ 
turning except by taking their lives? 
He shuddered at the thought. No, he 
would rather bear disgrace than have 
such a terrible crime upon his con¬ 
science. 

In one of his musings he decided to 
go home and plead with his father to 
give up part of the money to the right¬ 
ful owner. If this were done, Martin 
and Leo, and everyone else might for¬ 
get the wrong; and his father be re¬ 
spected by them as an honest man. 

But that good impulse lasted but for 


60 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


a moment. He doubted that his father 
would listen to him. 

“No, he will not agree to it, I am 
sure; his heart is so set on money.” He 
called to mind that his father sent him 
out in the world very young. When 
only fourteen, he bound him as cabin 
boy on a West India trading vessel. 
When after two years he ventured to 
return home, his father met him with 
angry words, and drove him out to 
make his own way in the world. 

Hearing of the Dolphin’s intended 
voyage he asked for a position andj’e- 
reived it, planning to earn enough 
in* whaling to secure a position on 
land. 

With this in view he did his duty, 
but not cheerfully. He took no real in¬ 
terest in his work, or in the companion¬ 
ship or amusements of the other sailors. 

61 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


The outbound trip proved to be a 
long and tedious voyage. Captain and 
men rejoiced when at length they 
reached the waters frequented by 
whales, and began keep a keen look¬ 
out for the dark backs of the monsters 
to appear. 

Leo was not idle; from morning un¬ 
til night he scanned the sea. Often he 
climbed the rope ladders, hoping for 
the sight of a whale. The other sailors 
were equally eager. The old pilot 
warned them time and again against 
taking foolish risks, while glad to see 
them so interested. 

Had Leo been his own son, Martin 
could not have taken more pride in 
him. He hoped the good luck which 
had always followed the Dolphin 
would not desert it now; but weeks 
passed and no whale had yet been sight¬ 
ed. 62 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Captain Bertram was vexed and 
anxious over the delay; the sailors lost 
their jollity, and even Martin grew 
somewhat depressed as he-waited day 
after day for a whale to heave in sight. 

“We cannot stand this much longer, 
Martin,” said the Captain at the wheel 
one morning; “scarcely a month left 
for us to do the job. If we don’t catch 
up, we stand a fair chance of being fast 
up here for the winter. That would 
cost us a good round sum.” 

“True, Captain, but what can we 
do? First sight your whale, before you 
catch him.” 

“No, Martin, but wishing will not 
bring him. I cannot stand this idleness 
and suspense any longer. I have thought 
of a plan: suppose we steer for Spitz- 
bergen.” 


63 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Martin glanced at the face of the 
speaker for a moment in mute surprise. 

“Captain, do you realize it is almost 
time to return?” 

“It is always time to return if we do 
nothing. Martin, we must accomplish 
something.” 

“I know it. Well begun is half done. 
The trick is to start. If we use our time 
well, two sea-boys at least will be in 
our hold before we sail for home. But 
we have no time to lose. 

“No, Martin, turn northward at 
once.” 

This was done; the sails were spread 
to the breeze, and as the “Dolphin” 
ploughed its way through the waves, 
a cheer went up from the sailors; all 
knowing that it was very late in the 
season to go farther north, but one and 
all would take any risk rather than re- 
64 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


turn with nothing to show for their 
trip. 

Hours and days passed with not a 
whale in sight. 

“No use, Captain,” said Martin one 
day, “our luck has deserted us. There 
is nothing left to do but to return home 
without a cargo.” 

“Don’t despair, Martin, until we 
have given Spitzbergen a trial. We 
must give them no chance to say we 
didn’t do our best. It shall not be our 
fault if we fail.” 

“Yes, but I have a presentiment that 
this is our unlucky voyage.” 

They were nearing Spitzbergen and 
saw icebergs in the distance sailing 
slowly and gracefully, their tops glis¬ 
tening in the rays of the sun. 

“Leo,” said Martin, “I haven’t slept 

65 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 5 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


soundly for many a night. You take 
the wheel while I go below for a nap, 
but call me if an iceberg is nearing the 
ship.” 

Gladly Leo took the place, but Mar¬ 
tin had scarcely turned in when there 
was a joyous call from the mast-head, 
“Whales, whales, a school of them!” 

“Where, where!” called the pilot, 
springing from his cot and up the 
hatchway. 

“Northwest; two, three, five. They 
are spouting like fountains!” 

Shouts of rejoicing were heard on all 
sides; the men lounging in their ham¬ 
mocks sprang out. “Harpoons! har¬ 
poons!” was the call. “We’ll win out, 
captain; “we’ll come out all right,” 
Martin called out cheerfully. 

It was a scene of joyous confusion. 
While the captain and pilot were plan- 
66 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


ning the attack, the sailors were going 
over points which had been many times 
discussed while waiting and hoping. 

Martin assigned the crews for each 
of the seven boats, each in charge of a 
skilled harpoonist. “Leo, you stay 
with me, and you may try your hand at 
throwing a harpoon,” he said turning 
to him, and the boy’s heart thrilled 
with pleasure. Captain Bertram ap¬ 
proved of Martin’s plans. The oars 
were put in motion, while Leo, his face 
flushed with delight, was keenly ob¬ 
serving. 

“Be careful, my boy,” said Martin, 
“not to get your feet tangled in the rope 
when throwing the harpoon. The 
whale would drag you in at the next 
dive. You must have your wits about 
you when whale-fishing.” 

While Martin was giving instruc- 
67 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


tions the boats had got within cable 
length of a whale. Conrad Holbrook 
and the others in the boat were eagerly 
watching the chance for a throw. 

“Now notice, Leo, how I grasp the 
harpoon. Keep your eyes on the ob¬ 
ject when throwing.” 

“I see a fine fellow—fifty or sixty 
feet long, we will try to make his ac¬ 
quaintance. Boys, row closer, but not 
too near, so he can strike you with his 
tail. Now, Leo, throw!” 

Leo hurled the harpoon with such 
sure aim that it sank deeply into the 
flesh of the whale. The monster lashed 
the water with terrific force, then 
dived. Meanwhile the other harpoons 
had quickly followed that of Leo. The 
sailor watched for the whale to rise, 
when there was a cry of alarm. 

“What is it?” asked Martin turning 
quickly. 68 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

“Leo overboard;” they cried in con¬ 
cert 

“Merciful heaven! The poor boy is 
lost! Never mind the whale! Save 
the boy!” 

Every one in the boat watched the 
spot where he sank. Presently a pale 
face appeared above the water some 
distance away; Martin sprang over¬ 
board, swam to him, carried him on 
one arm as he swam back to the boat, 
where outstretched arms were eager to 
help. 

“I am all right now, Martin,” said 
Leo feebly. “Where is my harpoon?” 

The pilot’s face beamed when he 
heard again the sound of the boy’s 
voice and he responded cheerfully, 

“No need now for harpoons; the lan¬ 
ces will finish him when he comes up 
to breathe for the last time.” 

69 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“All goes well, Martin!” called the 
sailors jubilantly. “You have saved 
the life which this fellow would have 
destroyed.” 

“Let all the boats close in; each man 
to his spear!” 

The whale appeared again, now in 
his death struggle, lashing the water 
until it foamed. 

Again and again he dived but came 
more quickly to the surface. At the 
last rising he turned on his back to dive 
no more. 

Three joyous cheers were given by 
the sailors, the white flag was run up 
and fluttered in the breeze. 

“Boys,” said Martin, “you have done 
a good day’s work. I am proud of you. 
Only one accident, but the boy is safe. 
Let us give three cheers for Leo!” 

All joined in but Conrad Holbrook. 

70 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


This Martin noticed and turning to 
him, he said, 

“Now, Holbrook, you were right on 
the spot where Leo fell overboard, how 
did it happen?” 

“I didn’t see him fall; I was looking 
at the whale.” 

Martin made no reply except to gaze 
steadily at him for a moment. Conrad 
could see that he was not believed, and 
his face flushed. 

“I will keep an eye on that fellow,” 
Martin said to himself as he turned 
away. “It’s old Holbrook over again; 
he doesn’t tell all he knows.” 

In the meantime Conrad was saying 
to himself; “Maybe I did put the oar 
where he would trip over it and fall.” 

The seven boats gathered about the 
dead whale, and it was decided to tow 
it to the ship to cut it up. They would 


7i 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


secure a good supply of oil and whale¬ 
bone, and would attack another whale 
the next day, feeling that they must se¬ 
cure at least two as the result of their 
voyage in order not to be disappointed. 

Huge chains were put around the 
neck and tail of the prize, and it was 
towed to the side of the ship. There 
the head was separated from the body 
and hoisted upon deck, a real labor, 
for it was a heavy load. From it they 
got a great quantity of oil, and from the 
jaws the whale-bone; then the fasten¬ 
ings were cut away and what was left 
of the head was rolled overboard. 

When they were ready to cut up the 
body, they made a platform on the side 
of the ship upon which the sailors stood 
while they cut out the blubber or fat of 
which there was a great quantity. This 


72 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


was then cut to pieces, and boiled in 
great pots, to extract the oil. 

It required several days to do this 
work, but only part of the sailors re¬ 
mained to finish it; the others rowing 
away to secure the second whale. 

When all the blubber was cut out, 
the body was cut loose, and rolled into 
the sea to be eaten by sharks and other 
denizens of the deep. 

They were successful in getting the 
second one, and were kept busy for 
some time filling the cans in the hold 
with fine oil. 


73 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER VII. 

A BEAR HUNT. 

Three weeks passed, and in that time 
the “Dolphin” had captured several 
whales. She had now a full cargo, and 
was ready to sail after making some re¬ 
pairs. ‘ | 

For this purpose the ship was at an¬ 
chor near the coast of Spitzbergen. 
With light hearts the crew obeyed the 
captain’s command to inspect every 
part of the ship, that it might be in per¬ 
fect seaworthy condition before sailing. 

One evening Martin, Leo, and Con¬ 
rad Holbrook were on the upper deck, 
talking over their home-going, neither 
imagining that it would be many long 
and dreary days before their hope 
would be realized. 


74 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


The next day the weather was cold, 
but clear; and the boys rejoiced in the 
beauty of the mountains, their ice crests 
sparkling in the rays of the sun, con¬ 
trasting with the deep blue of the sky. 

“It is all beautiful, beautiful!” said 
Leo, as the pilot came up and stood be¬ 
side him. 

“Yes, my boy, all nature is beautiful; 
the work of our great Creator, and 
even this scene of ice and snow is beau¬ 
tiful in its way.” 

“Yes, Martin, but so lifeless; so dead 
and unfruitful; no grass, no tree to lift 
its green crown above the snow and 
ice; no bird sings as it passes on its 
way; no butterfly goes from flower to 
flower, not a bee to lay in its store of 
honey.” 

“Not lifeless, my boy, far from it; 
the polar bear roams over this ice-cov- 


75 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


ered plain to find food; walrusses 
swarm on the coast, seals and sea-lions, 
foxes and rabbits, sport around in spite 
of the bitter Arctic weather. Nor are 
birds entirely missing; some of them 
closely resembling southern birds in 
plumage. There are sea gulls, the 
stormy petrel, the great white owl — 
which makes the rocks echo with its 
wild cry. Furthermore the Arctic sea 
is swarming with fish of many kinds; 
so you see, my boy, there is life in 
abundance. Just now I see a polar 
bear springing from one block of ice 
to another.” 

“I see it! I see it! Martin; a little 
bear is following. If we could only 
catch them both!” 

“Well, perhaps we can,” and Mar¬ 
tin’s experienced eyes followed the 
movements of the mother bear; “I see 


76 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


a fair chance to add a dish of bear meat 
to our fare. “Captain Bertram, a word 
with you,” he called as he caught sight 
of him. 

“What is it, pilot?” he asked as he 
drew near. 

“Leo and I have spotted a bear; if 
we could secure her, we would not only 
have a fine skin, but a good supply of 
meat for the table; what do you think 
of it, captain?” 

“I certainly have no objection; the 
main thing is to get her. Where is she 
now?” 

“Right at the mouth of that gorge.” 

“Yes, I see her, a fine animal with 
fur almost as white as the snow. The 
skin alone is worth the risk. What help 
do you want?” 

Leo and Holbrook will be enough; 
just see to it that we get rifles and a 


77 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


harpoon, and I will answer for the 
rest.” 

“But suppose you miss fire, Martin, 
think of the danger.” 

“That’s all right. Leo will be on 
hand, and he will have the harpoon.” 

The captain went to his cabin and 
returned with three good rifles, pow¬ 
der and balls. Martin sprang into the 
best boat, followed by two oarsmen. 
Provided with three good harpoons, 
they were ready to move off, when the 
captain called. 

“Ho, Martin, better wait a while to 
see what that cloud in the west means; 
it may bode a sudden snow storm.” 

Martin glanced around, then ex¬ 
pressed the opinion that there was 
nothing to dread, at least for some 
time. 

“Before that snow-storm gets here, 
78 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


captain, we will be back with our 
prize. But in case it does come—throw 
us the wolf-robe. It might be needed.” 

The robe was tossed into the boat 
and the three started in pursuit of the 
bear. 

Each of the three hunters picked up 
a rifle, and Martin stepped from the 
boat followed by the others. 

“All’s well,” said the pilot, “the bear 
is on an ice floe, keenly interested in a 
seal in a wake, which she intends for 
herself and her young. We must get 
within fifty feet before we give battle. 
Be very careful not to wound the 
young one, or her rage will be un¬ 
bounded. I will fire the first shot; the 
second, Leo; and if need be, Holbrook, 
you give her the third dose.” 

They had gone but a short distance 
when Martin halted. “Here, Holbrook, 


79 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


you stop here, and head her off at this 
point; Leo and I can manage the rest.” 

Conrad promised to keep guard; and 
Martin and Leo, weapons in hand, and 
flat upon the ice floe, crept toward the 
bear, which stood motionless, gazing 
down the rent in the ice. Now she 
scented danger, raised her head, and 
gave a growl to warn her young. 

“Go lightly, Leo,” said Martin when 
both arose; “if the ice crunches, she 
will hear it; and keep a snow heap be¬ 
tween you and the bear, whenever pos¬ 
sible.” 

The cub frisked about, heedless of 
danger; it had not a thought of hunters 
being near, but ran to its mother and 
back again like a child at play. 

“A young bear is duller than a 
sheep,” whispered Martin, as the two 
were lying on the ice-floe; “Look out 
80 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


for yourself, Leo,” warned Martin, “in 
two minutes she will be here. Have 
your gun ready.” 

Leo’s nerves were in good condition, 
but the appearance of a polar bear 
close at hand caused his arm to tremble 
as he raised the weapon to take aim 
at the head of the animal, about thirty 
paces away. 

“Shoot, Leo, or we are lost; I will 
second it.” 

Leo’s shot felled the bear, but it 
sprang up and attacked Martin, who 
fell upon the ice, as if dead. Spring¬ 
ing to his feet, Leo seized a harpoon, 
and threw it with such sure aim that 
the bear, already weakened, dropped 
lifeless upon the floe. 

“She will not trouble us again;” said 
Martin jubilantly; “Call Conrad and 
let us get back to the ship.” 

81 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 6, 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Have you noticed the cloud?” asked 
Leo. “The sun is hidden, and we can’t 
see where the “Dolphin” is at anchor?” 

“Yes, there is a storm brewing. We 
will not have time to take the meat, just 
the splendid fur robe, that is enough.” 

Conrad brought the knives, and 
speedily the skin was removed in per¬ 
fect condition. Then a new thought 
struck Leo. “Martin, let us take the 
cub with us? It would starve and 
freeze to death without its mother.” 

“It surely would. Here, Holbrook, 
take the knives back, and bring the 
boat a little nearer.” 

This order was exactly what Conrad 
Holbrook had been waiting for; he 
hurried away, while Martin and Leo 
went back to the floe to get the little 
bear. It had gone some distance from 
the body of its mother, but they secured 
82 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


it, and then hurried away toward the 
boat. The boat was gone. 

“The scoundrel!” exclaimed Martin 
with pale lips, “This he has done to 
keep us from returning to Bremen; but 
we must save our lives if we can.” 

The clouds grew darker, the wind 
more furious, and the cold so severe 
that they had to keep in motion in or¬ 
der not to freeze stiff. Every so often 
they shouted, “Boat, ahoy! Boat, 
ahoy!” But there was no response. 

Later in the evening they heard a 
dull boom sounding over the sea, then 
another and a third. 

“It is the signal gun. They are call¬ 
ing us.” 

“Yes,” answered Martin, “but how 
can we respond? That scoundrel Hol¬ 
brook has made up a story that we were 
killed. We can hear nothing more 
83 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


from the ship; it sails early in the 
morning, if not already broken from 
its moorings by the force of the storm.” 

They hurried toward the ravine but 
had not reached it when the snow storm 
came upon them. The wind was so 
fierce that walking was almost impossi¬ 
ble. 

“I cannot go any further,” said Leo, 
sinking to his knees, “save yourself, 
Martin, and let me die here.” 

“No, you shall not. I will carry the 
cub on one arm, and hold you up with 
the other. Here, take close grip.” 

Leo tried to reach him but sank ex¬ 
hausted at Martin’s feet. 

“Stand up, Leo, or in a little while 
you will be frozen stiff.” 

“Oh, do let me sleep, Martin, I do 
so want to sleep.” 

“But you must not sleep. You would 
84 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

never wake again. Come, try to walk, 
and God will give you strength.” 

He lifted the almost unconscious boy 
to his feet, held him to his breast with 
his free arm, reached a shallow ra¬ 
vine, nearly covered by a huge rock. 
Placing him in the most protected spot, 
he crept in after him and put the bear 
between them. In a few minutes the 
three were comfortable, the bear-skin 
covering them securely. 

“Where am I?” asked Leo, after 
some hours were passed. 

“We are safe in the ravine not far 
from the spot where the mother bear 
was left. The little bear and the fur 
robe has saved our lives.” 

“Yes, Martin, we saved him, and 
now he has saved us. But do you think 
the ship is still at anchor?” 

“Yes, if she has not broken away; it 
85 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


is yet too dark to see over the water; 
when morning comes we will know.” 

They could not sleep, but lay listen¬ 
ing to a sound which seemed to shake 
the earth. It was louder than a volley 
of cannon. It was caused by icebergs 
breaking from the coast and falling in¬ 
to the sea; this occurs frequently when 
the violence of storms severs the great 
masses of ice from their foundation in 
the glaciers. 


86 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER VIII. 

CONRAD DESERTS HIS FRIENDS. 

It was growing light when Martin 
again spoke. In spite of the howling 
of the wind he had dropped into sleep. 

“Are you awake, Leo?” he asked as 
the boy stirred. 

“Yes, is it morning? Is the storm 
past?” 

“I think so; I hear nothing but the 
breathing of our young companion; to 
us, he is worth his weight in gold; he 
has kept us from freezing to death.” 

“Can you see the ‘Dolphin’?” 

“No, we will stay here until we can 
see better. It is bitterly cold outside; 
thank God, that the old bear showed 
us this ravine. It is cold enough, but 
it keeps out the wind and the snow.” 

87 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 

They waited what seemed to them a 
long time, then both slipped quietly 
from under the raw pelt, leaving the 
little bear asleep under it. 

They stood outside the ravine, look- ^ 
ing over the snow, several feet deep, 
with small ice-bergs dotting the land¬ 
scape. 

“Mercy on us!” exclaimed Martin, 

“I see nothing of the ‘Dolphin’. It has 
sailed, or the storm has driven it from 
its anchorage.” 

“Oh, my poor mother!” wailed Leo, 
“Will I never see her again? Have 
we nothing to hope for, Martin? Cer¬ 
tainly when Conrad reached the ‘Dol¬ 
phin’ he told the captain where he had 
left us. Don’t you think he will send 
over to search for us.” 

“That is impossible, Leo. The snow 
is too deep, and so light that no one 
88 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


could get through. We must wait for 
the snow to harden.” 

“But how could the captain desert 
us, you being the pilot and his good 
friend?” 

“Leo, the polar winter has caught 
us, and every moment the captain tar¬ 
ries threatens shipwreck to the ‘Dol¬ 
phin.’ May God stand by us in our 
need, and give us strength and courage 
to brave the terror of the Arctic winter 
in which we have been caught. We 
are prisoners, my boy, and I have no 
hope of being set free until summer 
comes, and the whaling season opens; 
God help us!” 

The old seaman saw no other hope. 
But with no food, no warmth, how 
were they to survive the winter? He 
was tortured with the thought that his 
foolish plan to go on a hunting expedi- 
89 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


tion had brought all this upon them. 
Leo could only think of the grief of his 
mother when the “Dolphin” should re¬ 
turn without him. 

“Yes, yes, you poor boy!” said Mar¬ 
tin compassionately; “God only knows 
how I regret bringing you into this 
frightful position. No father could 
grieve for his son more than I do for 
you. With all my power I will strive 
to keep you from perishing.” 

“Oh, Martin, we dare not throw all 
hope away; mother has always instruct¬ 
ed Fred and me to look on the bright 
side, and to remember that God is over 
all; with courage we can master all 
things.” 

“If we went higher up the shore, 
maybe we could see the ‘Dolphin’ yet.” 

“No use, Leo, but we will try it.” 

“Look, I wonder what that can be?” 


90 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


said Leo pointing to a heap of snow 
from which some timbers were project¬ 
ing. 

“I cannot imagine. We did not see 
anything here yesterday. It must be 
wreckage blown here from the sea. Let 
us go and examine it.” 

They struggled through the deep 
snow to reach the spot, and scraping 
away the snow, found the corner of a 
boat. 

“See,” said the Pilot, “had I not seen 
that scoundrel Holbrook running away 
from us to the ‘Dolphin’, I would say 
this is one of our boats, but how did it 
get here?” 

Removing the heavy covering of 
snow they turned the boat on its side; 
more snow fell out disclosing a corner 
of fur belonging to a garment of some 
kind. 


91 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“How did it get here;” and remov¬ 
ing the snow, they found the fur coat 
wrapped about a man. That man was 
Conrad Holbrook . 

With a cry of astonishment they 
looked at him; he was pale, motionless 
and to all appearances dead. 

“The Hand of Justice is upon him ;” 
exclaimed Martin. “He left us to our 
fate, and God sent him back here to 
help us by giving us this boat. Conrad 
could deceive us, but he couldn’t mock 
God Almighty.” 

“We must bring him back to life.” 

“Not I. The wretch would have let 
us perish; now leave his body on the 
snow for the bears and the foxes. I 
will have nothing to do with it.” 

“Oh, Martin, it may be that of his 
own free will he came back to rescue 


92 






.juH.fl. V.' ’r ft«i ' 

“The man was Conrad Holbrook.” Page 92. 




























f 



















LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Martin made no reply, nor did he 
object when Leo rubbed Conrad’s 
hands and arms with snow so vigorous¬ 
ly that after a while a slight tinge of 
color came to the pallid face and the 
man breathed a soft sigh. 

“He lives, Martin, he lives! Help 
me to save him, or we will be murder¬ 
ers in the sight of God.” 

The plea was not without avail; 
with contempt for the traitor, he helped 
to rub the man vigorously, and at 
length consciousness returned. The 
warm coat was wrapped about him and 
he was left with the little bear. 

Seeing the man recover, the icy cold¬ 
ness of Martin’s manner seemed to melt 
away; he became interested in the re¬ 
covery, and a smile came to his stern 
countenance. 

“Yes,” he said in a friendly tone, “he 


95 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


has come back to life, and the rascal 
may perhaps repent of his sin, and ask 
God to forgive him. See, Leo, he has 
opened his eyes. I am glad now that 
he did not perish. It was cowardice 
and fear that caused him to leave us; 
thank God we have the boat; and the 
sack of sea biscuit is still in it, we will 
not starve for a time at least.” 

“I wonder if they saw him from the 
‘Dolphin’?” 

“I think not; the darkness would 
prevent that. Providence took care 
that he should not reach there, the 
whirlwind of snow stopped him; he 
turned about; and here he is. He is 
slowly coming back to life. When he 
can walk, we will take him to the ra¬ 
vine and make him as comfortable as 
possible; the little bear will have his 
share in the recovery.” 

96 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Yes, his warm little body is worth 
a great deal,” responded Leo. 

“But we must have food to keep us 
alive,” said Martin. “Now that we 
have the knives we can have a supper 
of bear meat if we can find fuel to cook 
it—if animals as hungry as ourselves 
have not dragged it away,” he added. 

“We have the meat, the knives and 
the appetites,” remarked Leo, “if we 
could only get back to shore I am sure 
we would find driftwood.” 

“There are two more oars in this 
boat than are needed, and one is bro¬ 
ken,” said Conrad feebly, “use them; 
you will find flint and steel in my pock¬ 
et.” 

“Good for you!” said Martin, “you 
were worth saving, if you did act the 
coward. Now Conrad,” he added, as 
he took the implements from his pock- 
97 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 7 . 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

et, “could you walk to the ravine with 
our help?” 

“I will try.” He arose and with their 
assistance walked a step or two, then 
sank down, and was helped back into 
the boat. 

“Leave me here,” he said in a weak 
tone, “I will be well by to-morrow.” 

“But you will freeze stiff as before. 
You cannot go to the ravine just now, 
but we will put the fur coat around 
you, and the little bear in your arms, 
it will keep you warm.” 

This was done. Martin left to get 
the bear meat, and Leo sat on the edge 
of the boat, wrapped in the old bear’s 
skin, until he returned. 

Leo had offered to get the meat, leav¬ 
ing Martin to make the fire; but Mar¬ 
tin had a plan in view, and that was to 
use the fat of the bear for fuel. 

98 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Martin quickly returned with some 
fine slices of bear meat, together with 
the feet; then with part of the broken 
oar he made a square in which he 
placed the feet and bits of the fat on 
some shavings, lit it with Conrad’s flint 
and steel. Then putting a slice of the 
meat upon the end of a spear, he held 
it over the blaze until it was a rich 
brown. With this and some sea-bis¬ 
cuits the three enjoyed a hasty meal. 

A biscuit was crumbled for the cub. 
This he ate with relish, then returned 
to the lair in the boat and dropped 
asleep. 

Martin and Leo then brought the 
rest of the meat to a place of safety. 

Conrad was so strengthened by the 
food and sleep that with the help of 
Martin and Leo he reached the ravine, 
and found shelter under the rock. 


99 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

“I do not deserve to live,” he said 
humbly, as they took seats on the 
ground near hint. “You saved my 
life.” 

“No, you certainly did not,” replied 
Martin, “but Leo was trained by a 
Christian mother to love his enemies. 
You certainly were an enemy to want 
to leave him on this island to perish.” 

“Oh, Leo, forgive me! I thank you, 
and I will do more than that. When I 
return to Bremen I will see that all is 
made good to you and yours.” 

“May the good Lord give you 
strength to carry out your good inten¬ 
tion,” said Martin. 


ioo 



LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER IX. 

A DISCOVERY. 

The sun was lighting the eastern 
horizon, and lending lustre to the icy 
region around, when Martin aroused 
Leo and Conrad from their sleep in 
the ravine. 

“Come, my boys,” he said cheerfully, 
“we must begin to build our snow 
house. We will first eat a biscuit, and 
a little later we will have our bear 
steak.” 

The boys obeyed promptly; they 
were glad to do something that would 
afford a change. They were also glad 
to be employed for they were weary of 
inactivity, and while partaking of their 
simple breakfast they discussed the 
building of the hut. 


IOI 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“Several years ago,” said Conrad, “I 
was on a trading vessel with a party of 
hunters to spend a season on Spitzber- 
gen. They brought light material for 
a hut, and so far as I know had a profit¬ 
able hunting season.” 

“Do you know where the hut was?” 
asked Martin eagerly. 

“It could not have been far from 
here. If found, it would be far better 
than a snow hut.” 

“It surely would be better; but how 
could we find it? Spitzbergen is a 
large island, and we might starve and 
freeze to death before finding it.” 

“It is worth the search,” said Con¬ 
rad, “I am sure it is on this part of the 
coast, where trading vessels usually an¬ 
chor.” 

“Have you no recollection of the 
exact spot?” asked Leo. 


102 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“No; only that this part of the shore 
seems familiar; their hut was at the 
foot of a mountain.” 

“We can see two great hills from 
here,” said Martin, “let us inspect the 
nearest one, whether we find the hut or 
not. Conrad has put a good idea into 
our heads, that is, to build our snow 
hut at the foot of a cliff, where it will 
be protected from the storms from the 
north and east. 

With oars in hand Leo and Conrad 
set cheerily to work to clear away the 
snow at the foot of the cliff; not an easy 
task owing to the mass of snow and 
their poor implements. 

“Keep up your spirits, boys!” ex¬ 
claimed Martin, as he saw them blow¬ 
ing upon their stiffened fingers; “the 
hard work will be forgotten when we 


103 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


are sheltered from the bitter wind in 
our own house.” 

After a half-hour of steady work the 
three came to a hard crust of ice under 
the wall of the cliff. 

“There, boys,” exclaimed Martin, “is 
a fine foundation for our house; firm, 
and as level as a board floor. We could 
not have found a better spot.” And 
to prove to them the value of it, he gave 
it a heavy prod with the harpoon. The 
ice cracked beneath his feet, and he 
sank out of sight with a cry of terror 
and surprise. 

“Oh, Conrad!” cried Leo pale and 
weak from the horror of the sudden 
disappearance. “Martin is lost.” 
Kneeling by the dark aperture, he 
strove to get sight of him, while Con¬ 
rad gazed helplessly before him. 

Then a sudden thought came to him; 

104 


# 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


and he said to himself, “He is gone, 
and the secret has gone with him; a 
grasp of my hand, a push, and there 
would be no one left to carry the infor¬ 
mation of my father’s doings back to 
Bremen.” 

Satan was tempting him, but there 
was more good than evil in the boy’s 
heart. Yet he needed help; and drop¬ 
ping upon his knees he whispered, 
“Lord, deliver me from temptation!” 

Leo had no knowledge of the 
thoughts in the mind of his companion, 
therefore he was surprised to hear the 
request. What could be the tempta¬ 
tion? Sensible only of fear and dan¬ 
ger, he kept calling, “Martin! Martin! 
Do you hear me, Martin?” 

Leo knew that there were clefts and 
fissures in the ice of Arctic regions, and 
was tortured with the fear that Martin 


105 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


had fallen into one of these and would 
never again be seen. 

All was still! No voice replied to 
the anxious call. Leo felt hopeless of 
ever again seeing his faithful friend. 

“We must not be idle,” said Conrad, 
“He may not be dead, but only hurt so 
badly that he can’t speak. Perhaps we 
can rescue him.” 

“Rescue him! Oh, Conrad, do you 
think it possible?” 

“I hope so. The crevice may not be 
very deep; I will call to him again. 
Leaning over the aperture he shouted 
“Martin! Martin!” 

At last they heard a voice which 
could be no other than that of the im¬ 
prisoned man. 

“Did you speak, Martin?” called 
Leo, thrilling with delight. 

“Yes, I believe I landed in the Hol- 
106 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


lander’s hut. The walls of this dark 
hole are of wood, not of snow. I can¬ 
not see clearly, but it certainly looks 
like a hut. I must have fallen through 
the chimney, for the roof is not broken. 
Throw down one of the oars.” 

This was done. Then with the other 
oar and a harpoon the boys worked to 
remove the snow; thus relieving the 
wall of the pressure against it. 

Slowly and patiently they worker 
and at length the wall of snow gave 
way and to their delight they found a 
door. As they pushed it open, there 
stood Martin blinking at the sudden 
gleam of light. The boys threw their 
arms around him, rejoicing that he was 
saved and unhurt. 

“Now boys, go and bring the little 
bear from the ravine, and we will find 
a corner for him; the good patient lit- 


107 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


tie creature must share our home. We 
must give the little fellow a name, what 
shall it be?” 

“Would you object to our calling 
him Martin?” asked Leo. 

“Instead of objecting, I feel greatly 
honored. You may go and bring Mar¬ 
tin Junior to his new quarters.” 

They hurried away and soon re¬ 
turned, flushed with curiosity about 
the Hollander’s hut. A comfortable 
corner was found for the cub before 
they began the survey. They found 
several articles which might be called 
furniture, among them a small stove. 

“And here is a good iron pot,” re¬ 
marked Martin, rapping it with his 
knuckles; “it will serve well in cooking 
bear soup.” 

They found several stools, a box 
which had served as a table, and a few 
108 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


dishes and other domestic articles, but, 
best of all, quite a supply of wood and 
coal left by the Hollanders; and a real 
fireplace. 

“Now, boys,” said Martin, “we have 
a safe place to keep the bear meat; go 
and bring it in here.” 


109 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


CHAPTER X. 

THE RESCUE. 

While Martin and his two young 
companions were really grateful for 
the shelter afforded them by the hut of 
the Hollanders, yet they looked anx¬ 
iously for the sight of a vessel which 
might possibly reach Spitzbergen, and 
take them away. 

They kept their boat at the spot on 
shore nearest the hut, that they might 
see to its safety and be ready to leave 
at the first opportunity. 

They were very sparing of ammuni¬ 
tion, not knowing what might arise 
which would require its use, yet they 
never suffered for lack of food, and 
kept in good health. 


no 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 

They had a full supply of several 
kinds of meat, but found cause for 
grateful rejoicing, when Conrad re¬ 
called the place where grew an herb 
which the Hollanders appreciated 
greatly for a salad and soup. 

He searched for it, and located the 
spot where it was found, under the 
snow. The three relished it as only 
those could who had so little change in 
food. 

“We are blest, indeed, in having this 
hut,” Martin remarked. “But if we 
wish to keep our health and be reason¬ 
ably contented to wait for a chance to 
leave, we must exercise and when we 
have an object in view, the exercise is 
more beneficial in every way.” There¬ 
fore, when they did not need to hunt 
for food, they walked along the coast in 
search of wreckage, especially drift¬ 
wood for fire. m 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“We cannot have too much in store,” 
said Martin. “This is only October, 
we have not yet got far into the polar 
winter. We must prepare for it to the 
best of our ability. Even now, when 
our little stove is almost red hot, we can 
scarcely feel the heat from it, and a 
cup of water will freeze close by it. 

“We must also watch each others’ 
ears and noses. They will freeze with¬ 
out our knowing it. If they get unnat¬ 
urally white, we must rub them with 
snow to bring back the circulation.” 

The little bear seemed entirely satis¬ 
fied with his new quarters; he was not 
playful as are other young animals, nor 
did he show any affection for the three 
men; yet, as there was no evidence of a 
savage nature, he added interest to 
their uneventful days, so no one of 
them was willing to part with him. 


112 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


Hunting was not to be thought of in 
the bitter weather, and it was a subject 
of congratulation that they had plenty 
of meat, and of the green plant for 
salad, which added variety to their 
simple fare. 

Protected in their hut, and with 
their little stove red hot, they were yet 
unable to keep comfortable; the wind 
whistled through the crevices, and even 
with their fur coats closely wrapped 
about them, they shivered. 

About the middle of October the sun 
disappeared, but they had the light of 
the friendly homelike stars, and the 
splendor of the aurora borealis, cheer¬ 
ing the twilight of an Arctic winter. 
With the help of seal skins, and the 
pelt of another bear, they slept com¬ 
fortably enough on the floor of the 
hut, and although in November the 
113 


Leo’s Whaling Voyage. 8. 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


cold reached its highest point, they 
suffered no more from it than they had 
done earlier in the season. 

Thus day after day passed tediously 
by, and about the beginning of March 
they began the hunt to replenish their 
food supply. 

Their fear of starvation was now 
past, and they began to watch early in 
the season for the appearance of a 
whaling vessel. 

Conrad had taken every opportunity 
to prove his gratitude to Martin and 
Leo for their kindness to him; and 
while bear-hunting he saved Leo from 
the deadly embrace of a wounded ani¬ 
mal. 

Leo and Conrad had saved each 
other’s lives; these were the ties that 
now bound them in close friendship. 

April came; the air was now milder 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


and the great ice fields with which the 
sea had decked the coast were broken 
and carried away by the wind and the 
waves; the broad expanse of open sea 
was a joy to them, and day after day 
they watched with eager eyes for the 
sight of a sail which would free them 
from their long imprisonment. 

Several times there was rejoicing 
upon seeing a white sail on the distant 
horizon, which they hoped might be a 
whaling-vessel; but time and again the 
hopes were shattered, for no vessel 
came within range of signals. 

Birds came to build their nests; the 
sea played merrily, dolphins and young 
whales sported in view of the watch¬ 
ers on shore, but no flag was seen to 
flutter in the wind and cheer their 
longing hearts. 

“They won’t come,” sighed Leo in 

115 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


despair. “They think we have died in 
this terrible place. We will have to 
spend another winter here. Oh, my 
poor mother, how she will grieve.” 

“Patience, Leo, patience!” said Mar¬ 
tin, “the captain is a kind, honorable 
man, and will not fail to do what is just 
and right. Remember, it is still very 
early in the year to go on a whaling 
voyage; we can scarcely expect them 
before the middle of June. 

Again there appeared a new sail and 
a new hope; a ship appeared on the 
distant horizon, a real ship under full 
sail, there could be no doubt of it. The 
boys clapped their hands in delight, 
but, alas! it disappeared in the distance, 
and they were again disappointed. 

“They won’t come,” sighed Leo 
again, “they have forgotten us.” 

“Yes, they will come,” replied Mar- 
116 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


tin, “I have known Captain Bertram 
too long to doubt him; he is one of the 
noblest of men. We do not know 
when, but this I know, that Captain 
Bertram will not desert us; he will 
come.” 

They watched from the shore at all 
hours of the day. The middle of June 
came, and even Martin was saddened 
by the fruitless survey of the sea. 

“Boys,” he said one evening, “the 
time has come when we must do what 
we can to help ourselves out of this ‘ 
prison. Our boat is in good condition. 

I suggest that we start out to sea; we 
may spy a vessel that will take us 
aboard. The whalers are apt to stop 
farther south than Spitzbergen. Let 
us go in search of them; I believe God 
will stand by us in our search, and 
bring us safely home in His own good 
117 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


time and way. I do not know why the 
Dolphin doesn’t come, but we must 
wait no longer. Are you with me?” 

“Surely. Anything would be better 
than living here another winter!” 

“Then we will risk it and put our 
trust in God.” 

“What about Martin Jr.,” continued 
the pilot. “Surely no one of us would 
be willing to leave the helpless little 
creature to take care of himself?” 

“No! No!” exclaimed the boys, “he 
shall share our fortunes, be they what 
they will,” and with light and hopeful 
hearts they went to rest that night. 

It was broad daylight when Martin 
awoke suddenly, having heard voices. 
At first he supposed it to be a dream, 
but' hearing the sound again he said, 
“Listen, boys, help has come.” 

In an instant the boys rushed to the 
uB 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


door of the hut, and heard the words, 
“Thank heaven, they are all alive!” 
and the kind face of Captain Bertram 
appeared beaming with happiness. 

Martin clasped him in his arms, and 
the boys gave a joyous shout and 
grasped his hands in happiness too 
great for expression, while the sailors 
in the waiting boat raised shouts of re¬ 
joicing that the lost had been found. 

Captain Bertram was eager to learn 
how the three had lived in that dreary 
solitude, and was deeply interested in 
their account. He considered it a won¬ 
der that they had lived through the 
privations of an Arctic winter, had met 
with no accidents, suffered no attacks 
of wild animals; were in fact apparent¬ 
ly as well and strong as when they left. 

Leo eagerly asked him for news of 
his mother and his brother Fred; to 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


which the Captain responded that he 
had heard a very satisfactory account 
of them the day before the “Dolphin” 
sailed, and proceeded to give it in full. 

He had paid his customary business 
visit to the office of the shipping- 
merchant and found Fred there; He 
had come hoping to get some informa¬ 
tion in regard to Leo. 

Leo’s heart thrilled with joy to know 
that mother and brother were well, and 
were looking happily to his return on 
the “Dolphin”, for the news had spread 
that Captain Bertram was to sail di¬ 
rectly to Spitzbergen; the shipping- 
merchant having given this order when 
informed of the three being stranded 
on the island. 

“Your mother knows that we sailed 
at the end of March; and no doubt 
some sailor friend has informed Fred 


iao 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


that by this time the “Dolphin” has 
reached Spitzbergen, that you three 
are on board, and we are merrily 
searching for our first whale.” 

The captain added that Lawyer 
Copeland was in the office of the ship¬ 
ping-merchant at the same time and 
had told him to give Leo the informa¬ 
tion that his mother’s old enemy Hol¬ 
brook had been called before a Higher 
Judge to give an account of his evil 
doings, and she had nothing more to 
fear from him. 

Conrad was almost overcome upon 
hearing this, and drew back in the dark 
little hut, that his emotion might be un¬ 
noticed, and Leo pressed his hand in 
sympathy. 

“But all will know of his treatment 
of your mother,” said Conrad in trem¬ 
bling tones. 

121 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


“They will know also that you are 
not to blame for your father’s faults. 
No one on the ‘Dolphin’ except Martin 
and myself knows of him, and we will 
keep it to ourselves.” 

“But my treatment of you, Leo, can 
you ever forgive me?” 

“That has been forgiven long ago; it 
will not be mentioned on the ‘Dol¬ 
phin’.” 

During this conversation Martin Jr. 
had remained quietly in his corner. 
Now he came forward to have a part 
in the arrangements. 

Captain Bertram was charmed with 
the beauty of the little animal, his fur 
so white and soft, showing the care the 
boys had bestowed upon it. 

“Who owns it?” asked the Captain, 
“and what will be done with it at the 
end of our voyage?” 


122 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


“It’s Leo’s pet,” replied Martin, 
“but he can’t take him to his mother’s 
cottage; he is growing, and in time will 
be a big bear which no one would risk 
keeping as a pet.” 

“I will take him off your hands, Leo, 
if you wish,” said the Captain, “he will 
be a welcome addition to any Zoologi¬ 
cal Garden.” 

“I will be glad to know that he is in 
good hands,” said Leo, “I thank you 
for the offer.” 

“He has been real company for us; 
and has helped to entertain us the best 
he knew,” added Martin, “he is not a 
very jolly companion, but a staid, reli¬ 
able friend.” 

The preparations for leaving their 
Spitzbergen home were quickly made. 
They had brought nothing there but 
the bear-skins and the fur coat, there- 


123 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


fore there was nothing more to take 
away. They were glad to leave a pile 
of wood for any one who might succeed 
them in the hut. They passed out with¬ 
out regret, yet grateful for the shelter 
it had given. 

They were now ready for the boats, 
the Captain and Martin leading the 
way, Leo and Conrad following; Leo 
carrying the cub. On their arrival on 
board the sailors on the “Dolphin” 
waved their caps and cheered the three 
who had been lost. They were charmed 
with the little white stranger, who paid 
no attention to them, but soon found a 
corner and cuddled down for sleep. 

Martin was back in his old place as 
pilot. The boys were eager to serve in 
any position given them, and the “Dol¬ 
phin’s” summer expedition proved a 
success.” They returned to their start- 


124 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


ing point with a full cargo, captain and 
crew rejoicing to be back home again. 

In the meantime Fred had been 
watching each day for the return of the 
“Dolphin”, his boat in readiness to 
row to the spot where it would stop, 
should Leo be on board. 

To his delight the “Dolphin” halted. 
He sped to the side of the vessel just as 
Leo came down the rope ladder. For 
a moment the brothers were clasped in 
each others arms. 

“Goodby! Goodby!” called Martin 
and Conrad, “we will see you soon.” 
The captain and crew joined in the 
farewell with hearty cheers. 

The little boat sped over the waves, 
and Leo was soon at home. 

Words could not express the delight 
of his mother to see him again after the 
long, anxious separation. “My dear, 


125 


LEO’S WHALING VOYAGE 


dear mother 1” “My beloved son!” 
were the words of greeting as Leo 
clasped her in his arms. “Our dear 
Heavenly Father is so good fo us,” 
and tears of joy filled their eyes. 

Life was full of interest to the three 
in that lovely cottage home. There 
was much to say and to hear; then a 
few days later they had a visit from 
Martin and Conrad upon a matter of 
business. Conrad had come to redeem 
his promise made on the lonely Island 
of Spitzbergen. 

Lawyer Copeland had written out a 
full account of the purchase of the 
Uranus, and of the insurance upon it, 
also the paper in which Holbrook had 
placed the insurance in his own name. 
He had taken matters in hand and from 
the papers relating to the vessel he 
had found that the widow of his part- 


126 


LEO'S WHALING VOYAGE 


ner was entitled to half the insurance 
money. 

Lawyer Copeland had deposited the 
money in a bank in her name and then 
brought the papers for her signature. 

“Now, Leo,” said Martin, turning 
to him,” Captain Bertram is hoping 
that you will go on the next whaling 
voyage of the ‘Dolphin’. Will you be 
with us?” 

“Give my thanks to Captain Bert¬ 
ram for all his kindness, and for the 
compliment he pays me by his offer, 
but tell him that mother wishes so ear¬ 
nestly to have her boys with her, that 
I could not think of leaving her again. 
We can find profitable fishing in home 
waters, and as for the next whaling 
voyage, convey my best wishes for his 
success.” 


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